LSE's peer mentoring programmes have continued to grow, supporting over 1,000 students this year through peer-led advice, community-building and inclusive mentoring.
Supporting students to settle and succeed
LSE’s Student Academic Mentoring (SAM) and Neurodivergent SAM (ND SAM) schemes connect new students with experienced peers to help them navigate academic life, build confidence and form meaningful connections.
Led by students, for students, the schemes play a key role in fostering belonging and strengthening community across the School.
What this means for students
Students involved in SAM and ND SAM benefit from:
- A stronger sense of belonging through early connections with peers
- Practical, relatable advice from students who have recently taken the same courses
- Increased confidence in navigating LSE and settling into London
- Access to inclusive communities, particularly for neurodivergent students
- Ongoing support through regular check-ins and informal conversations
Feedback highlights the value of speaking to someone who understands the LSE experience first-hand, with ND SAM mentees particularly emphasising the importance of connecting with peers who share similar lived experiences.
2025/26 highlights
Growing reach and engagement:
- 222 mentors across 16 departments supported around 1,000 mentees through SAM
- ND SAM continued to expand, with 19 mentors and 26 mentees
- Strong engagement during Welcome, with 74 students signing up early following in-person events
Opportunities to connect:
- Creating a welcoming start: Welcome Afternoon Teas and “meet your mentor” events helped students connect with peers in an informal setting, ask questions and share concerns openly and feel more at ease before term began.
- More consistent support: throughout Autumn Term there were increased check-ins to provide regular touchpoints for students, valuable insight into how students were settling in and opportunities to respond quickly to emerging needs.
- Building inclusive communities: ND SAM socials and events created space for neurodivergent students to meet others with shared experiences, build community beyond one-to-one mentoring and engage in accessible, low-pressure activities.
Celebrating student contribution
A joint end-of-year celebration for Language Volunteers, Peer Supporters and the Neurodivergent Student Academic Mentors (ND SAMs). This was an opportunity to thank students and award certificates to recognise their time and effort as volunteers.
SAM mentors can gain a CPD UK certificate by submitting a reflective piece on their experience. Since 2023, 406 SAM mentors have gained CPD UK certification, supporting their personal and professional development.
Impact on mentors
Students described the SAM role as a rewarding and meaningful way to give back to the LSE community. They highlighted personal growth in communication, empathy and adaptability, and noted that supporting mentees encouraged them to reflect on their own approaches to studying and life at LSE.
ND SAM scheme continues to expand
Alongside the SAM programme, the Neurodivergent SAM (ND SAM) scheme has seen a strong third year, continuing to grow in reach and impact.
The scheme pairs experienced students who self‑identify as neurodivergent with new students, offering peer mentoring shaped by lived experience of studying at LSE.
- In 2025/26, 19 mentors supported 26 mentees across UG and PG cohorts
- ND SAMs took part in the Landing at LSE events, a new introductory day for disabled students run by DMHS
- Autumn Term “meet your mentor” event where students could also connect others on the scheme
- Regular touchpoints, such as twice‑termly socials and check‑ins, have helped build a supportive and visible neurodivergent student community.
Feedback and impact
Students highlight the scheme’s value in building confidence, connection, and practical study skills. Mentees particularly value speaking with peers who understand their experiences, while mentors report gaining confidence in supporting others and shaping resources.
Looking ahead to 2026/27
Feedback from mentors and mentees is actively used to enhance and evolve the ND SAMS scheme, including:
- Insights have directly informed the development of an evolving ND SAM resource bank, ensuring advice remains relevant and student‑led.
- Increasing awareness of socials as a space for community building, open to any neurodivergent LSE student
- Working with mentors and mentees to introduce new social activities and formats to best suit student needs.
Signposting students to the peer mentoring schemes
Applications are now open for students who would like to become mentors. If you know a student who would like to take part, please share the sign‑up forms below.
SAM scheme
Any continuing UG student in participating departments can apply. Sign‑up form.
ND SAM scheme
Any continuing LSE student, UG or PG, who identifies as neurodivergent (no ‘official’ diagnosis needed) is welcome to apply. Sign‑up form.